Researchers in the US Cultivate Archaea Thriving on Nitrates and Perchlorates Under Mars-Like Conditions

Simulating Martian Subsurface Environments to Study Archaea

According to НВ — Техно: Scientists from the United States successfully grew the archaeon Haloferax volcanii in laboratory settings designed to replicate the harsh subsurface conditions found on Mars. Led by astrobiologists Adam Robinson and Scott Pearl, the team published their findings in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Over a 160-day period, these microorganisms were maintained in an oxygen-free atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide, subjected to pressures significantly lower than Earth's, and immersed in brine approximately seven times saltier than seawater.

Microbial Survival and Adaptation in Extreme Martian-Like Conditions

The archaea metabolized nitrates or perchlorates as part of their respiration process. Cultures that lacked these compounds remained alive but did not exhibit growth. Under these simulated Martian conditions, the microbes developed dense biofilms and retained moisture effectively, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt to extreme environments. The experiment was conducted at a temperature close to 21 °C.

Notably, perchlorates-detected in Martian soil by NASA’s Phoenix lander in 2008-are toxic to many Earth organisms. Adam Robinson remarked, “Few studies have managed to combine all these factors and demonstrate active microbial growth.” This breakthrough offers valuable insights into the potential for life to exist beyond Earth.

Exploring how archaea respond to Mars-like environments expands the frontiers of astrobiology and informs the search for extraterrestrial life. Since perchlorates pose challenges to terrestrial life, understanding microbial resilience in their presence sheds light on possible survival strategies of organisms on Mars and other celestial bodies.